TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is collaborating with US company Broadcom to develop an advanced 5-nanometer AI chip, according to Reuters. The chip is expected to be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), known for producing chips for popular tech companies like Apple and Nvidia. Despite US chip export restrictions, this collaboration is not expected to violate any rules. The production timeline for the chip is still uncertain as it is currently in the design phase.
ByteDance has a history of purchasing chips and switches from Broadcom for its AI computers, indicating the company’s interest in AI technology. Additionally, ByteDance has been acquiring a large number of Nvidia chips, with plans to invest $2 billion in Nvidia chips by 2023. However, ByteDance’s Chinese origins have raised concerns among US regulators about national security risks associated with its TikTok app. President Biden signed a bill in April that could potentially ban TikTok if it does not sever ties with ByteDance and China, although ByteDance argues that such a divestment is not feasible and is challenging the bill on First Amendment grounds.
In response to trade restrictions between the US and China, Chinese companies have found ways to continue acquiring chips, including smaller chips and advanced chips through alternative channels like server components. China has also made its own policy changes, deciding to phase out the use of American Intel and AMD chips in government and telecommunication networks. Additionally, China banned the import of French fries from the US company Micron, citing national security concerns.
Overall, ByteDance’s collaboration with Broadcom to develop an advanced AI chip and the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by the company highlight the complex landscape of global tech partnerships and trade relations. The development of this new chip could have implications for both the AI industry and the geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
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https://www.pcmag.com/news/tiktok-bytedance-making-ai-chip-with-broadcom-tsmc
